Katy Perry Discusses Grammy Nominations, Kerouac Inspiration

After the Grammy Awards were announced last week, Katy Perry talked about the inspiration for her twice-nominated hit song ‘Firework,’ declaring it an anti-bullying anthem that was inspired by legendary beat writer Jack Kerouac.

“I wrote it because I feel like everyone has the potential to be great,” Perry said during an interview following the nomination special. She cited a passage from Kerouac’s ‘On the Road’ that specifically inspired the song. “He wrote a paragraph in that book: ‘I wanna be around people that are buzzing and fizzing and full of life and they never say a commonplace thing. And they shoot into the sky like fireworks and make everyone go aww.’”

The two nods bring Perry’s career total of Grammy nominations to eight, though she’s still looking for her first win. She may not get it this year, considering that she’s up against heavy favorite Adele in both categories, but Perry appreciates the recognition.

“If I would want to be up for anything, it would be for this particular song, ‘Firework.’ I want that song to be my signature song, and I feel like the fans have made that the signature song, but I feel like it’s very important for me to spread that message.”

As for her future plans, aside from releasing a new fragrance, Perry has none. “I’m having a bit of a break now. I’m going to have a long cat nap.”